Missoula International Friendship Program
Missoula International Friendship Program
MIFP 2009 board members (left to right): Joycee Dozier, Laela Shimer, Adair Kanter, Carrie Gajdosik, Kathy Garramone, Nancy Fluck, Carol Barbian, Effie Koehn (not pictured: Nancy Gibson, Chris Kilzer, Mona Mondava, David Strobel)
Carrie Gajdosik has hosted students from Argentina, Malaysia, India, Pakistan, and France. She has traveled throughout Europe as well as South Africa, S.E. Asia, India, Mexico, Israel, and New Zealand. Carrie "enjoys meeting international students and feels that it's important to expose our children to different cultures." Carrie has been a board member since 1992.
David Strobel is a retired Dean of the Graduate School who has had the opportunity to meet and assist many international students at The University of Montana. He has traveled to Canada, Taiwan and Namibia. David is one of the newest members of the MIFP Board and "looks forward to supporting the goals and activities of the organization." David has been a board member since 2008.
Laela Shimer has traveled extensively. A few of the many countries she has visited are Luxemburg, Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Sicily, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Andorra, Holland, and England. Laela says "I see great opportunity to move in many different directions being both an advocate for the students and the University of Montana and the chance to involve the Missoula community in the many opportunities these connections offers." Laela has been a board member since 2007.
Adair Kanter has hosted students from Japan, France and Moracco and her travels have taken her to Israel, France, Germany, Russia, Italy, Hungary, Denmark, England, and the Netherlands. About MIFP Adair says "I think that one of the strengths of the MIFP is reaching out to students who are far away from all that is home and making them feel welcome. Adair has been a board member since 1985.
Carol Barbian began as a community friend in 2001 and has hosted students from Japan and Taiwan. She has traveled to Brazil and China. Carol "really enjoys the International community and foreign students in particular and learning about other cultures and making friends." Carol has been a board member since 2007.
Chris Kilzer hasn't traveled much but is interested in other cultures. MIFP has given her that opportunity and more because instead of just being a tourist she has new friends. Chris and her husband have been community friends since 2007 and have hosted students from Serbia, Moldova, and Ukraine. Chris is our newest board member, joining in 2009.
Nancy FLuck moved to the United States several years ago. She has traveled to France, Spain, Cyprus, Australia, Switzerland, and Germany. Nancy and her husband, Udo Fluck, are both active members of MIFP. Nancy says that being a part of MIFP allows "you to learn about a new culture without reading about it. We always have a great time together and enjoy each other's company." Nancy has been a board member since 2005.
Joycee Dozier is a long-time member who has hosted students from Japan, Germany, China, Bhutan, Malaysia, and Pakistan. She has traveled to Canada, Mexico, and England. About MIFP membership Joycee says "All the folks at MIFP have a desire to meet new students from around the world and make them welcome in Missoula. Making peace in the world one friend at a time." Joycee has been a board member since 1982.
Nancy Gibson served as an MIFP board member for 15 years. She started serving as a community friend to students nearly twenty years ago, when her children were young. Nancy says this about MIFP participation: "It was so educational for my children to experience friendships with people from all over the world, and to realize how much we have in common with them, despite differences in appearance, language or custom. The contacts have enriched our lives."
Effie Koehn has been involved in helping international students even prior to MIFP. Before assuming the position of Foreign Student Advisor and then Director of Foreign Student and Scholar Services, her family hosted students from Libya and Nigeria in the late 70's and early 80's. Effie joined MIFP to represent UM's Foreign Student and Scholar Services on the board. She is proud of the strong commitment of its members to ensure that UM students have positive community experiences. Effie has been a board member since 1988.
Mona Mondava, originally from Denmark, was raised in Denmark, USA, and Germany and later received her higher education in Germany and at UM. She now works with international students, as Program Coordinator and student Advisor for Foreign Student and Scholar Services. About MIFP Mona says "One of the best parts of my job is working with the wonderful volunteers of MIFP and with the generous and dedicated Community Friends of MIFP and seeing the amazing goodwill and cross-cultural friendships that result." Mona has been a board member since 1988.
c/o Foreign Student & Scholar Services
Emma B. Lommasson Center 219
Phone: 406-243-2226
